Does Georgia homeowners insurance cover dog bite liability?

Yes. Georgia homeowners insurance generally covers dog bite liability through the personal liability portion of your policy. If your dog bites someone, whether at your home or elsewhere, your homeowners coverage can pay the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and any legal costs or settlement if you are sued, up to your liability limit. This is one of the most important protections a homeowners policy provides, since dog bite claims are among the most common and costly liability losses.

There are important limits to know. Many policies cap liability at $100,000 to $500,000, and a serious bite can exceed that. Some insurers also exclude certain breeds or refuse to renew after a bite, and some apply a one-bite exclusion meaning they will not cover a dog with a prior history. Georgia law can hold you responsible if you knew the dog was dangerous or violated a leash law, so liability is very real.

Example: A neighbor’s child is bitten at your home and needs surgery. The medical bills and settlement reach $250,000. If your homeowners policy liability limit is $300,000, it covers the claim. If your limit were only $100,000, you would owe the remaining $150,000 yourself.

Because limits can fall short, many dog owners add an umbrella policy for extra liability protection. Request a free coverage review and we will confirm your dog is covered and your limits are high enough.